The Travel Professor
Join me on a journey across the broad spectrum of interesting travel topics. We’ll discuss destinations domestic and abroad, some familiar and some off the beaten path. We take a look at suppliers like cruise lines, air carriers and tour operators and find their bargains and special offerings.
Got questions? Email thetravelprofessor@gmail.com.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Timing and taking action are important in discovering travel bargins

Timeliness is everything in booking travel especially if you’re looking for bargains.

What exists in inventory and current pricing right now might not be available when you call or click back in a few days or even 15 minutes. That $150.00 cruise that was just available in now sold out! Or the price has increased by $100.00. It could be the last room in the hotel. You just never know.

I've been down this road too many times. That's one major reason that I always prompt you to hold space. I will quote you a price today & strongly encourage you to hold it. OK you've to check with someone else so you leave my office or end the phone call without conducting business. You're gambling that same deal will be available when you're ready to act.

You call come or click back in a few days ready to book and guess what? Yes that's it! The price has changed or the product is sold out. Sorry there are only so many cabins on a cruise ships or seats on a motor coach.

What should have you done to prevent this disappointment?

Make a courtesy reservation. A courtesy booking normally reserves the space and rate for a specific time period. This can range from 2 hours to 7 days. The date that you are traveling and other factors determine this grace period.

Go home talk it over with other travelers then contact me or travel supplier. Give us a yes and firm it up with payment or a no. Either way you’ve had some piece of mind that your great rate was still available when you were ready to book.

Bio

Steve Call
"The Travel Professor"

Steve Call gets paid to tell people where to go as the director of the Travel, Tourism and Hotel Management associate degree program at Ohio University-Ironton. Professionally, he's a certified travel consultant and accredited cruise counselor and holds two college degrees. He has visited all the continents with the exception of Australia and Antarctica.